Following the resounding success of Fiona Veitch Smith’s number one Amazon best-selling book, “The Picture House Murders,” the Newcastle based author is thrilled to announce the release of the second instalment in her Miss Clara Vale Mysteries series – “The Pantomime Murders.” Filled with suspense and a festive Christmassy ambiance, the book promises an intriguing journey into the icy pre-Christmas streets of Newcastle and York in 1929.
Set against the backdrops of the Theatre Royal in Newcastle and York Theatre Royal (with a fiendish sub-plot in Fenwick’s), “The Pantomime Murders” unfolds as Clara Vale, inheritor of her late uncle’s detective agency, embarks on a venture as a forensic sleuth.
The mystery starts when a young actress from the touring pantomime “Cinderella” seeks Clara’s help after the show’s Fairy Godmother mysteriously disappears. Soon, other cast members become victims of a villain with murderous intent, delivering more than the traditional “break a leg” good wish.
Fiona Veitch Smith, an ardent admirer of the 1920s golden age, expresses her passion for the era, encompassing its fashion, music, and the ground-breaking work of women. “Forensic science was in its infancy, and it was uncommon to find women in leading roles. I’ve drawn inspiration from the lives of female scientists of that time, infusing a bit of their pioneering spirit into the character of Clara Vale,” says Fiona.
Setting the story during Christmas adds an intriguing twist, departing from the traditional themes of peace and goodwill. Fiona’s unique blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling is sure to captivate readers.
To engage with Fiona Veitch Smith and delve into the world of historical crime writing, join the discussion at the Newcastle Noir Festival on Saturday, 9th December, at the Newcastle City Library. The event, titled “Darkness Falls,” will feature Fiona Veitch Smith alongside fellow historical crime writers Bridget Walsh and Kate Griffin. Together, they will lead the audience on an exploration of the darkness found in Victorian London, the wilds of Derbyshire, and 1920s Newcastle.
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Photo: Fiona with the book. (Author)
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Editors Notes
Newcastle author Fiona Veitch Smith has a rich cultural background, having worked as a journalist, a university lecturer, and a communications manager. She grew up in Northumberland and then moved to South Africa as a teenager before resettling back in Newcastle. Fiona’s fascination with the 1920s and ‘30s has played a significant role in shaping her novels.
Best known for her critically acclaimed CWA Historical Dagger shortlisted series “Poppy Denby Investigates,” (Lion Fiction) she is an accomplished author with a diverse range of works, including Golden Age mysteries, historical fiction, children’s picture books, theatre, and short films. She has captivated readers worldwide with her tales set in the Roaring Twenties.
“The Picture House Murders,” the first instalment of “The Miss Clara Vale Mysteries,” (Embla Books) is a number one best seller on the Amazon historical mystery charts and delves into the intriguing world of 1929 Newcastle. Miss Clara Vale is an unconventional woman of her time, driven by her passion for science and a desire to forge her own path. She’s a pioneer in her own right, pursuing a degree in chemistry when societal expectations dictated otherwise. Her life takes a thrilling turn when her estranged uncle’s sudden demise bequeaths her his private detective agency and laboratory.